China’s Strategy for Integration of East Asia: Thoughts on Limitations, Methods and Timing

　　Abstract: This article first reviews the successfulness and responsiveness of China’s strategy for regional integration, and thereby analyzes limitations that China faces in promoting regional multilateralism. It argues that premature or overly urgent efforts to advance integration could lead to a series of negative outcomes. It further argues that the process of regional integration that China has promoted has already created a strong foundation for China’s development and for politicaleconomic relations for other East Asian states. The next major task will be to build a strong bilateral relationship with these countries. China should not set overly high diplomatic objectives for its strategy to advance East Asian integration.

　　Author: Song Wei is an Associate Professor in the School of International Relations at Peking University